pgtips

I planted three cherry tomato plants that I bought at the Seattle Tilth sale and all three are blooming and one has two tomatoes. I'm very excited! ← Can anyone suggest a good source for tomato plants in the Seattle area? I'm getting a late start--and missed the tilth sale-- but want to grow some cherry tomatoes in pots.

Oh-- And keep an eye out for Kapiti ice cream. The manuka honey and fig is especially scrumptious. Wish there were a way to fill a suitcase with it and bring it back to the states....

Hi-- Fellow Seattleite here. I've been in Auckland for a couple of weeks, and am finding the food delish--everything is remarkably fresh. Am here on business, so haven't strayed too far, but from what I understand, Parnell and Ponsonby are the foodie districts. Had a particularly excellent meal at Rocco on Ponsonby Road last weekend. It doesn't look as if I'll make it to Wellington, which is a shame, as everyone says its lovely. Enjoy! And do report back--

Here's another rant: Starbucks USED to make a blended iced tea that wasn't all sticky-sweet...until they modified their menu. Is it their mission to give the world diabetes?

Like all great quests, this one is eternal, I guess. I don't get to Bottega all that often, but the last time I was there, they had coffee granitas. Very good indeed. So is the hot chocolate, but that's another thread... As for Torrefazione, as far as I know, the machine is still running in the Fremont shop. Excellent--fine coffee flavor, never too sweet.

With spring here, the quest for Seattles best coffee granita resumes. (And chances are, it won't be found at SBC) Obviously, it can't be made in a blender.... Don't get me started on coffee shops that advertise granitas, then make them with a hand blender. No, a granita machine is a must. Criteria: Discernable coffee flavor Not loaded w/sugar Granular consistency *Nothing* like a frappucino So far, I've found two standbys: Bottega Italiano (when the machine is running) and Torrefazione. The espresso stand outside of the Wallingford QFC used to sell a really good granita--until the machine bit the dust... Others?

If so, let's skip this thread. Would hate to get anyone busted....

Sooo... The pup and I were wandering around Swanson's nursery the other day, and were shocked and delighted to find that we *both* were welcome in the Celebrations Cafe. Made me wonder...there are plenty of cafes that welcome dogs at outdoor tables, but how many allow them *inside*? While driving around Greenlake the other day, I think I saw a sign for a dog-friendly cafe next to My Friend's Cafe. Are there others?

Lunch was OK, but not remarkable in any way. And although the service was friendly, the dining room was very short-staffed. Not a place for a quick lunch.

My, my, how things change.....at least based on mamster's review of the Blue Onion Bistro in today's Times. Too bad, I have good memories (of the food at least). ← It seems the folks at BOB were rather piqued by mamster's recent less-than-glowing review. There's now a sign pointing to the men's room that reads "(mamster), your table is this way."

Wanted to report that some the Continental Store on Roosevelt makes abolutely sublime chicken soup w/homemade spaetzle. To-go only....

Two in Bothell to keep in mind: Pen Thai on Main Street--nicely prepared food. Pochanga on Bothell Way (in a strip mall, near Bothell Landing)--fresh tortillas, tamales, etc.

As for the trader joes' pepitas, I bought some on impulse after an in-store demo in which they were served atop curried butternut squash soup w/ a dollop of mediterranian-style yogurt. A new tj staple for me.

Sampled a lovely ginger-infused apple pie at Persimmon in Fremont the other day. Mmmmm.

Here's a link to Wild Mountain Cafe. Great eggs bennie--and the bloody marys aren't half bad, either.... http://www.wildmtncafe.com/

Have you tried Wild Mountain Cafe?

Have you considered The Pink Door? Recently held a friend's pre-wedding send-off there--it was really quite pleasant and conveniently situated.